Springfield Estates ES News You Choose - September 18, 2026


Mrs. Miser leading her class in a lesson about being Optimistic!

Mrs. Miser leading her class in a lesson about being Optimistic!

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What's Happening at the Nest

Dear Springfield Estates Families,

Take a look at Ms. Bognar’s students in a class discussion about probability.

It has been a joy to celebrate so many of our Eagles over the past two weeks! Students have visited the office for Positive Office Referrals, and classrooms have earned Class SOAR Badges. Each recognition reflects students putting our SOAR values into action by being Supportive, Optimistic, Accepting, and Responsible. We are so proud of them!

Ms. McHugh’s Pre-K students are enjoying a read-aloud of “There’s a Bird on Your Head!” by ReaMo Willems.

As our classroom routines become more familiar, simple habits at home can help children feel ready for each school day. Packing backpacks and choosing clothes the night before can make mornings a little calmer. We also encourage you to make time for reading each day, whether your child reads independently or you share a book together.

Thank you for celebrating our students with us and for all the ways you support them at home.

Together We SOAR!

April Martin, Principal & Kassandra Flading, Assistant Principal


Dates & Reminders

  • September 21: Yom Kippur Holiday.  School will be closed for staff and students. 
  • September 22: Fall Picture Day. 

    📸 Pictures Available: Approximately two weeks after photo day

    🛒 Pre-order Online: https://shop.imagequix.com/g1001442061

    📧 Questions about Ordering? Email Victor O'Neill Studios at underclass@vosphoto.com

  • September 24: Introduction to AAP & Continuum of Services. SEES Library, 5:00 p.m.
  • September 24: PTA Meeting and Workshop. Mark your calendars for our first general membership meeting of the year! Childcare and a light dinner will be provided — just show up! We can't wait to see you there.
    • 5:30pm — Caregiver Educational Workshop: The Art of Packing Nutritious Lunch Without Getting Artsy
    • 6:00pm — General Meeting
    • Location: SEES Cafeteria
    • Can't make it in person? Join us on Zoom: tinyurl.com/SpringfieldEstatesPTA
  • September 30: Cardboard Challenge. SEES Cafeteria. Pre-registration required. Spectators are welcome from 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

SEES Family Curriculum Night & Book Fair Night 

Save the date for Family Curriculum Night and Book Fair Night on Thursday, October 8, from 5:30–6:30 p.m. Families will travel throughout the school to collect four fun, take-home learning activities focused on Math, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies or SEL. Families will also have the opportunity to visit the library and shop the Book Fair. We look forward to an evening filled with learning, fun, and literacy


Community Corner

Information in this section includes:

  • Challenged Materials Committee
  • AAP Continuum of Services
  • Twice Exception Students
  • Superintendent Community Conversations
  • Not Feeling Well? When Your Child Can Come to School
  • Reporting Discrimination or Harassment
  • Review and Sign the SR&R by September 30
  • Cellphones and Personal Devices
  • Importance of Strong Attendance Habits
  • Stay in the Know With Here Comes the Bus
  • Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students 
  • The Importance of the Flu Vaccine
  • Upcoming Flu Shot Events

Challenged Materials Committee

SEES is seeking two parent representatives to serve on the Challenged Materials Review Committee, which convenes as needed per Regulation 3009 to review and reconsider instructional and library materials. If interested, please reach out to Megan Brooks at mjbrooks@fcps.edu. 


AAP Continuum of Services

FCPS offers a continuum of advanced academic services to provide challenging learning experiences to all students. To learn more about the various Advanced Academic Program (AAP) levels here in Fairfax County, please join us for an Introduction to AAP & Continuum of Services on Thursday, September 24 in the SEES library at 5:00 PM.  

There will be an additional parent meeting on Tuesday, October 20th for an Understanding the Full-time AAP Screening Process.  More details in following News You Choose.  If you are new to Fairfax County this year and are considering having your child screened for Full-time services, fall screening referrals are accepted August 18-October 15.  Fall screening is for new families only.  Spring screening referrals are accepted August 18-December 15.

Please contact Allison Donnelly, the Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, at 703-921-2383 or via email at aldonnelly@fcps.edu, if you have any questions


Twice Exceptional Students

Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. Twice-Exceptional (2e) learners are students who are gifted and have learning challenges or disabilities. 

Families can learn more about 2e learners, how to support them, and how to partner with schools on the 2e webpage, which also includes a link to the Special Education Handbook.


Superintendent Community Conversations

Join us for a series of Community Conversations that will be held across the school division. Share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Click on the date to register for any of the following events:


Not Feeling Well? When Your Child Can Come to School

School is better when your child is here! But we do understand that some days, they may feel unwell. Learn more about which symptoms are ok at school (like sneezing or sniffles), and when your child should stay home (if they have a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, for example). 


Reporting Discrimination or Harassment

FCPS is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for people of all races, national origins, and ethnicities. Individuals experiencing harassment or discrimination should report the incident as soon as possible. 


Review and Sign the SR&R by September 30

The FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) booklet explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. This year’s SR&R includes new Universal Grade Matrices, which are at-a-glance charts that make it easier for families to see behavior expectations and school responses for grades K-3, 4-8, and 9-12.

Families, please review the SR&R and discuss these expectations with your child. Be sure to sign the SR&R acknowledgment form by Wednesday, September 30, either by logging into SIS ParentVUE or signing and returning the Signature Sheet to your child’s school.  

Learn more by watching a short video about the SR&R (available in English and Spanish) or visiting the SR&R webpage.


Cellphones and Personal Devices

Students may only use a personal device if it is required as part of a necessary accommodation in the students’ Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan. A principal or the principal’s designee may approve a limited, course-specific exception for students enrolled in a specialized class when the curriculum requires a technology tool or software that isn’t available on a standard FCPS-issued device. Learn more about the student device requirement. 


Importance of Strong Attendance Habits

September is Attendance Awareness Month. Some of the ways parents can help their children create healthy routines and a habit of getting to school on time every day include:

  • Setting a regular bedtime and morning routine. (Need help? Download this checklist in English or Spanish.)
  • Laying out clothes and packing backpacks the night before.
  • Talking to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning, if they seem anxious about going to school.
  • Developing back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
  • Avoiding medical appointments or extended trips when school is in session.

If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.


Stay in the Know With Here Comes the Bus

 Even though FCPS has launched a new bus navigation system, some aspects like the new FCPS My Ride mobile app are still in development. Families should still use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to track the location of their child’s bus. This app is still compatible with the new system. 

FCPS will notify families and schools when the new app is ready to download and use. In the meantime, everyone should reinforce with students that they need to tap on and off the bus with their student ID cards.

Have you already downloaded the new app? That’s okay! The new app is in the final stage of testing, so some features are not yet fully functional. At this time, you should refer to Here Comes the Bus for the most accurate information.


Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students 

Register now for the annual Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students. The free conference will take place on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hayfield Secondary School. 

Hosted by FCPS in collaboration with community partners, the conference highlights the power of partnerships in supporting student success. Families, educators, and community members are invited to connect, learn, and explore available special education services, supports, and resources. 

The conference will feature an inspiring opening session, engaging breakout sessions, an exhibitor hall with local resources, and lunch for all participants.

Register for the conference and visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information. Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.


The Importance of the Flu Vaccine

As we look ahead to the upcoming school year, the health and well-being of our students continues to be one of our priorities. Staying up to date with your child's flu vaccination helps:

  • Reduce School Absences: Keeping students healthy means more time spent learning and engaging with peers.
  • Protect the Community: Vaccination helps shield vulnerable family members and neighbors from seasonal illness.
  • Support Overall Wellness: Routine flu shots are a key component of a proactive student health plan.

Upcoming Flu Shot Events

FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, at no out-of-pocket cost. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary.